Culture Capital Raahe-Oulu FAM Trip, 20.-23.11.2025

This FAM trip invites international tour operators to discover the cultural and creative heartbeat of Northern Finland through two distinctive destinations: Oulu – the European Capital of Culture 2026 – and Raahe, a coastal gem of wooden architecture and small-town charm. The trip is perfectly timed to coincide with Lumo Light Festival, a luminous celebration that transforms the dark Nordic November into a canvas of light, art, and imagination.

As Oulu prepares to shine on the European stage in 2026, this FAM offers you a firsthand glimpse into the city’s evolving role as a year-round destination. Oulu is a place where arctic lifestyle meets innovation, where culture is experienced in saunas, street art, and seasonal flavors. During the trip, you'll experience a taste of Oulu's signature light festival, new floating sauna wellness experience, creative maker Chocosomnia, and vibrant city life shaped by its people and stories.

Our journey begins in Raahe, a historic maritime town known for its 19th-century wooden architecture, artisan culture, and local hospitality. Here you'll be introduced to the slow rhythms of Finnish life in a setting that is both scenic and soul-soothing. Traditional craft, immersive storytelling, and Arctic cuisine await in this charming introduction to the region.

Together, Oulu and Raahe provide an authentic and accessible northern alternative for travelers seeking creativity, local life, and year-round experiences beyond the Arctic Circle.

International flights arriving in Helsinki
Meet your Visit Finland and Finnair hosts at the gate

16.10 Flight AY443 from Helsinki to Oulu

17.20 Arriving in Oulu Airport

17.45 Transfer to Raahe (1 h)

19.00 Check-in at hotel in Raahen Hovi

19.30 Dinner at the hotel hosted by Visit Raahe

 

Breakfast

Check-out

Morning in Raahe: Heritage, Hands-on Craft and Living History
Our morning in Raahe offers a captivating glimpse into Finland’s coastal heritage, creativity, and living history.

9.00 We begin with a short transfer to Raahen Taitopaja, a local craft studio and cultural hub that preserves traditional Finnish handicraft techniques. Here you will explore bronze casting and take part in a hands-on Himmeli Workshop, creating your own version of this traditional Nordic straw ornament that symbolizes prosperity and the rhythm of the Finnish seasons.

10.45 After this creative start, we continue to the Packhouse Museum, one of Finland’s oldest local museums, where an expert guide introduces Raahe’s seafaring past, Arctic expeditions, and the everyday life of merchants and shipbuilders who shaped this historic coastal town.

12.00 The exploration continues with a guided walking tour of Old Town of Raahe, one of the best-preserved wooden town centres in Finland. Along the narrow streets lined with pastel wooden houses and historical landmarks, you'll hear stories of craftsmanship, trade, and cultural continuity. In case of rain, the tour can also be arranged by bus.

13.00 We conclude the morning with a lunch at the beautifully restored Trade House of Lang. You will also have the opportunity to explore the house and its charming rooms during a brief introduction and room inspection before departing for Oulu.

15.00 Transfer to Oulu (1 h)

16.00 Oulu2026 & Cultural Highlights at Oulu Museum of Art
Introduction to the key themes, program highlights, and the broader visitor appeal of the Oulu2026 year, offering valuable insights for travel professionals seeking fresh cultural destinations.

You’ll also be introduced to the upcoming exhibitions and key attractions of the Oulu Museum and Science Centre, including Aurora Revelare, an immersive film and interactive exhibition about the Northern Lights (opening in the fall of 2026).

The visit concludes with a short walk through the current exhibition at Oulu Art Museum, offering a glimpse into the region’s visual arts scene.

17.45 Check-in at Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti

19.00 Arctic Evening at Koiteli Rapids
Just 30 minutes from Oulu, Koitelinkoski is a picturesque riverside area of forest islands and rapids, beloved by locals year-round.

In this atmospheric setting, enjoy a three-course Arctic dinner served by open fire in a cosy wooden cabin. Between courses, step outside to feel the northern stillness — and perhaps spot the Northern Lights overhead.

This evening combines local nature, flavours, and warmth for an unforgettable northern experience.

Evening hosted by Go Arctic, a local DMC and activity provider specializing in authentic northern experiences.

23.00 Back at the hotel

 

Breakfast

8.30 Check-out and transfer

9.00 Flavours of Finland: Chocolate Tasting at Chocosomnia
Step into the world of Finnish flavours at Chocosomnia, an artisan chocolate factory in Oulu. This tasting experience introduces handcrafted chocolates made with wild Finnish berries such as bilberry.
As you taste, you’ll also learn about the berries’ connection to Finnish nature and seasonal traditions — a delicious way to explore local ingredients and food culture.

10.45 Walking Tour: Cultural Cityscape of Oulu
Discover central Oulu on a guided walk through key Oulu2026 event locations and cultural landmarks. The tour offers a glimpse into how the city centre will come alive during the Capital of Culture year.

11.30 Lunch - Saturday brunch and hotel inspection at Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu

13.00 Olosauna – Floating Sauna Experience in the Heart of Oulu
Step into the warmth of a modern Finnish sauna while floating gently on the waters of Oulu. Olosauna offers a year-round wellness experience with access to open-water swimming, even in winter. This public floating sauna combines authentic Finnish sauna culture with modern design, offering not only relaxing heat and refreshing dips but also a small meeting room and café for light breaks. During this daytime visit, enjoy a full sauna session – just like the locals do. 
Bring your bathing suit and personal hygiene items. Towels are provided.

15.15  Check-in at Lapland Hotels Oulu

16.00 Lumo Light Festival & Lumo Art & Tech Preview
After checking in at Lapland Hotels Oulu, enjoy a short welcome greeting and a brief introduction to the hotel.

The evening continues with a short presentation on Lumo Art & Tech, an upcoming ten-day international festival that combines light, media art, and technology as part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture program.

After the presentation a short, guided walk outdoors introduces highlights of the Lumo Light Festival, after which you’ll have free time to explore the event on your own.

18.45 Arctic Food Lab Dinner at Winebar Kurkela
Enjoy a 5-course dinner inspired by the Arctic Food Lab, a culinary concept developed for Oulu2026 that highlights ingredients, flavours, and food traditions from northern Finland. The focus in Arctic Food Lab concept is on locally sourced, seasonal produce—from wild berries and fish to forest herbs and game—prepared in ways that reflect the northern climate and culture.

This dining experience connects food with identity, sustainability, and the unique taste of the North.

Breakfast

8.00 Check-out

8.30 Inspection of Villa Uleå – Urban Tranquility by Nature
Villa Uleå is a brand-new accommodation destination offering private villas, saunas, and meeting spaces just minutes from Oulu city centre—yet surrounded by peaceful nature. The perfect blend of urban convenience and Nordic calm.

9.00 Destination Nallikari - Oulu’s Coastal Escape for All Seasons
Located just 3 km from the city centre, Nallikari is a compact seaside destination combining accommodation, activities, and local services in one easily accessible area.

The visit begins at Nallikarin Aalto Apartments, followed by a short introduction at Nallikari Safaris and a guided bike tour (weather permitting). During the tour, participants will visit a Villa and a Holiday Cottage, showcasing different accommodation options for FIT, family, and group travellers.

The route highlights Nallikari’s natural surroundings, beach area, and outdoor infrastructure. The visit concludes at Huvilinna with a short seasonal programme and light lunch.

The purpose of this inspection is to give travel professionals a clear understanding of Nallikari as a genuine year-round destination – where the same seaside landscape transforms seamlessly from a vibrant summer hub to an atmospheric winter retreat, offering versatile products and experiences in every season.

Visit at Nallikari is hosted by Nallikari by the Sea and Nallikari Safaris.

12.30 Transfer to Oulu Airport

14.25-15.45 AY438 OUL-HEL

International flights from Helsinki accordingly

Thank you for visiting Finland!

 

Product cards for tour Operators

Visit Oulu 

Oulu2026 – European Capital Of Culture 

Pohjola Route 

Media Bank